Contemporaine
Stretch Dress Bermuda Short Fit: Wide Leg, High Rise
The Stretch Dress Bermuda Short from Contemporaine by Simons is a women's wide-leg, high-rise short made from finely woven stretch fabric that combines softness and flexibility. It features a pleated waist, hidden front hook-and-eye closure, belt loops, front slant pockets, and trompe-l'oeil sewn piped pockets at the back. In size 4, the short has a 12.5-inch rise and a 14.25-inch inseam, resulting in a knee-length fit.
- Material
- Finely woven fabric that combines softness and stretch
- Gender
- female
- Style
- smart-casual, classic
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shorts
Color
Size
Specifications
Women's stretch dress Bermuda shorts with wide leg, high rise, and pleated waist, featuring hidden hook and eye closure and multiple pockets.
Stretch woven fabric, wide leg, high rise, pleated waist, hidden closure, belt loops, front slant pockets, trompe-l'oeil piped pockets
- Material
- Finely woven fabric that combines softness and stretch
- Style
- smart-casual, classic
- Occasion
- everyday, vacation
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shorts
Additional Attributes
- Finely woven stretch fabric
- Wide leg silhouette
- High rise
- Pleated waist
- Hidden front hook and eye closure
- Belt loops
- Front slant pockets
- Trompe-l'oeil sewn piped pockets at back
- Bermuda length with 14.25 inch inseam
- Rise 12.5 inches
- Exclusive Contemporaine by Simons design
Product Insights
The Stretch Dress Bermuda Short, a pedal-pusher-length wide-leg with a 14.25-inch inseam and 12.5-inch rise, reads as a trouser alternative, visually lengthening legs and creating a structured fluid line via a pleated waist and stretch-woven fabric that expands when seated and recovers. Designed for a polished shorts suit with a matching Contemporaine blazer, it demands a tucked-in waist and sleek footwear to achieve its intended look, while the hem adjusts one inch opposite for every three inches of height difference from a 5'9–5'10 model, and the trompe-l'oeil piped pockets prevent gaping, balancing formal proportion with all-day ease.
- Silhouette
14.25-inch inseam, 12.5-inch rise, and pleated wide leg create a pedal-pusher length that reads as a trouser alternative.
Why this is supported
Product details specify a 14.25" inseam and 12.5" rise, with pleated wide legs. Fashion guides confirm the inseam interval:
14+ inches | Below the knee (more of a pedal pusher/clam digger)
eathealthy365.com. The rise is at the top end of high-rise:
High-rise means roughly 10–12.5 in from crotch seam to waistband top
fashion.dhgate.com. The pleats and stretch fabric, described as
Finely woven fabric that combines softness and stretch
lyst.com, allow the legs to drape without billowing. Matching blazers are available, and Harpers Bazaar recommends
Swap tailored trousers for a pair of high-waisted, pleated Bermudas that can be teamed with a matching blazer (oversized silhouettes work well here).
harpersbazaar.com, confirming the intended trouser alternative. Contemporaine is positioned for career women:
Contemporaine (modern, classic lines for career women)
vancouverscape.com, consistent with the formal silhouette intention.
- Styling
Requires a tucked-in waist and sleek footwear to achieve the intended polished look.
Why this is supported
Fashion sources emphasize waist definition to make the silhouette intentional:
High-waisted Bermuda shorts in a solid neutral + a fitted sleeveless top tucked in + leather slide sandals. This is the formula that makes Bermuda shorts look intentional rather than incidental.
livostyle.comTucking only the front offers a relaxed version:
Tuck just the front of the shirt into high-waisted Bermudas to define your waist without losing the effortless flow.
sewmamasew.momFor footwear, choose
choose footwear that elongates — a low heel, a pointed flat, or a sleek sandal.
livostyle.comand avoid
Chunky platform sneakers or heavy shoes can make Bermuda shorts feel visually heavy.
themomedit.comto maintain the elongated line.
- Height scaling
Hem moves 1 opposite for each 3 of height difference from a 5'9–5'10 model.
Why this is supported
According to a fashion industry source,
Most product photos are shot on models around 5'9"–5'10"
fashion.dhgate.com, and they advise that
for every 3 in of height difference from the model, mentally shift the hem about 1 in in the opposite direction
fashion.dhgate.com. Applying that rule, a 5'3" buyer sees the 14.25" inseam as a mid-shin length, while a 6'0" buyer sees it as a just-above-knee length. Height thus determines the perceived fit.
- Rise effect
12.5 rise sits at natural waist, visually lengthening legs for petite frames.
Why this is supported
The 12.5" rise is verified to be at the natural waist.
A 12.5-inch front rise places the waistband at the natural waist — the highest end of the high-rise spectrum — which visually lengthens the leg line and counteracts the shortening effect that a below-the-knee hem can have on petite frames.
How the rise and inseam fit on different heights — 12_5_inch_high_riseThis design balance is particularly beneficial for petite buyers.
- Front drape
Wide leg falls from hip without billowing, creating a structured fluid line.
Why this is supported
The 12.5-inch rise on a size 4 positions the pleats at the natural waist, so the wide leg falls from the hip without billowing, creating a structured yet fluid front line that reads as dressy.
- Seated ease
Pleated waist expands when seated.
Why this is supported
The pleated waist combined with the stretch-woven fabric allows the shorts to hang cleanly without pulling across the front when standing, then expands gently when seated — a seated-comfort advantage that flat-front high-rise shorts cannot match without sacrificing silhouette structure.
- Pocket design
Trompe-l'oeil piped pockets prevent gaping and keep silhouette clean.
Why this is supported
The back pockets are designed as
trompe-l'oeil sewn piped pockets behind
lyst.comto add tailoring without bulk and prevent gaping, keeping the silhouette clean.
- Tuck formula
Tucking defines waist and makes wide-leg look intentional.
Why this is supported
The recommended styling formula:
High-waisted Bermuda shorts in a solid neutral + a fitted sleeveless top tucked in + leather slide sandals. This is the formula that makes Bermuda shorts look intentional rather than incidental.
livostyle.comThis works because the 12.5-inch rise and pleated waist define the waist, making the wide-leg silhouette look deliberate.
- Stretch and recovery
Stretch fabric expands when seated and recovers to stay neat all day.
Why this is supported
The stretch-woven fabric expands gently when seated and recovers to keep shorts neat all day. The brand describes it as
Finely woven fabric that combines softness and stretch
lyst.com— consistent with the research on the fabric's performance.
- Shorts suit
With a matching blazer and tucked top, these shorts serve as a polished shorts suit.
Why this is supported
These shorts can function as a tailored trouser substitute in a shorts suit ensemble. Style guides advise teaming them with a matching blazer and a tucked top:
Swap tailored trousers for a pair of high-waisted, pleated Bermudas that can be teamed with a matching blazer (oversized silhouettes work well here).
harpersbazaar.comThe brand explicitly offers the matching blazer as a coordinate (style 9718-220257),
Matching shorts also available: 9718-220257
lyst.comconfirming the suit potential.
- Footwear pairing
Pointed flats, low heels, or slim sandals balance the wide-leg silhouette; avoid chunky shoes.
Why this is supported
The wide leg falls from a 12.5-inch high rise and 14.25-inch inseam, creating a generous opening that can appear bottom-heavy with heavy footwear.
choose footwear that elongates — a low heel, a pointed flat, or a sleek sandal.
livostyle.comWhat to avoid: Chunky platform sneakers or heavy shoes can make Bermuda shorts feel visually heavy.
themomedit.comThe high rise naturally lengthens the leg line when paired with sleek footwear; for shorter wearers, the inseam shifts lower, making elongating shoes even more crucial.
- Suit pairing
Part of a two-piece shorts suit with matching Contemporaine blazer.
Why this is supported
The blazer listing identifies these shorts as a matching set:
Matching shorts also available: 9718-220257
lyst.comEditorial styling confirms the suit look:
Swap tailored trousers for a pair of high-waisted, pleated Bermudas that can be teamed with a matching blazer (oversized silhouettes work well here).
harpersbazaar.comThis pairing aligns with Contemporaine's career-woman positioning:
Contemporaine (modern, classic lines for career women)
vancouverscape.com- Fabric
Stretch-woven blend (67% recycled polyester, 29% rayon, 4% spandex) provides drape and recovery for all-day suit wear.
Why this is supported
The stretch-woven fabric is described as:
Finely woven fabric that combines softness and stretch
lyst.comThis blend (67% recycled polyester, 29% rayon, 4% spandex) provides the drape and recovery needed for all-day wear as part of a suit.
- Waist and rise
The pleated waist and high-rise create a clean drape and visually lengthen the legs.
Why this is supported
The product specifications list a rise of 12.5" and an inseam of 14.25":
Rise: 12.5" (32 cm)
lyst.comThis rise is at the high end of high-rise:
High-rise means roughly 10–12.5 in from crotch seam to waistband top
fashion.dhgate.comThe pleated waist allows the shorts to
hang cleanly without pulling across the front when standing, then expands gently when seated
How the pleated waist affects comfort and drape — pleated_easeStyling experts recommend tucking a fitted top into the high waist to define the silhouette, noting that
The key is the waist. Define it, and the length becomes an asset.
livostyle.comThey also suggest pairing the shorts with a matching blazer for a polished shorts suit:
A sleek pair of high-rise, crepe Bermuda shorts paired with a matching blazer and high heels can excel under almost any workplace standard.
graziamagazine.comTogether, these details create a clean drape and leg-lengthening effect.
The 12.5-inch rise and pleated waist create a structured line that naturally accepts tucked tops. Styling guides recommend this approach:
High-waisted Bermuda shorts in a solid neutral + a fitted sleeveless top tucked in + leather slide sandals. This is the formula that makes Bermuda shorts look intentional rather than incidental.
livostyle.comAnd for a relaxed take:
Tuck just the front of the shirt into high-waisted Bermudas to define your waist without losing the effortless flow.
sewmamasew.mom- Brand heritage
Contemporaine is Simons' in-house label designed by a 50-person team and positioned for career women.
Why this is supported
Contemporaine is Simons' in-house label created by a dedicated team of 50 designers who attend international fashion shows.
The in-house team of 50 designers frequents fashion shows around the world; Simons currently has buying offices in Korea, Paris and Italy. Inspired by European design, most everything at Simons is designed in-house.
vancouverscape.comIt occupies the middle tier of Simons' three-label women's brand ladder, targeting career women with modern, classic lines.
There’s three core women’s labels at Simons (in case you’re not familiar with the iconic department store): Icône (the most fashion-forward of the three), Twik (for young women just getting into fashion) and Contemporaine (modern, classic lines for career women).
vancouverscape.comThe Contemporaine line, which includes this short, is positioned as
modern, classic lines for career women
vancouverscape.combetween Twik and Icône in Simons' house-brand ladder, and the
The in-house team of 50 designers frequents fashion shows around the world; Simons currently has buying offices in Korea, Paris and Italy.
vancouverscape.combrings European-informed design to this short.
- Suit coordination
Designed to pair with matching Contemporaine blazer for a two-piece suit.
Why this is supported
The shorts are part of a suiting system; Contemporaine offers a matching blazer explicitly coordinated with this design.
Matching shorts also available: 9718-220257
lyst.com- Price tier
$125 CAD is Contemporaine's opening price — this tier spans up to $225.
Why this is supported
This price marks the entry level for the Contemporaine line, which extends up to $225 for other fabrics.
$125.00
lyst.comThe product is listed at
, the lowest in the Contemporaine line, and it is a coordinate with a blazer (
Matching shorts also available: 9718-220257
lyst.com), making it an entry point to a complete suit system.
- Design details
Designed with a stretch fabric for drape, decorative back pockets, and a formal pedal-pusher proportion.
Why this is supported
The fabric is a finely woven stretch blend chosen for its drape and recovery.
Finely woven fabric that combines softness and stretch
lyst.comThe back pockets are trompe-l'oeil styled to look like pockets but are purely decorative.
The trompe-l'oeil sewn piped pockets on the back are purely decorative — they are styled to look like pockets but are not functional.
Are the trompe-l'oeil piped pockets functional or purely decorative?The 14.25-inch inseam places the shorts in the pedal-pusher proportion range, giving them a formal, polished silhouette.
At 14.25 inches, the inseam extends well past typical Bermuda territory (9-13 inches) and will land just below the kneecap or at the top of the shin for most wearers, giving these shorts a more formal, pedal-pusher proportion that reads as a polished summer trouser rather than a casual cut-off.
How the rise and inseam fit on different heights — 14_25_inch_inseam- Fit and construction
Polished fit from 14.25-inch inseam, 12.5-inch rise, stretch fabric, and decorative back pockets.
Why this is supported
The short features
Rise: 12.5" (32 cm)
lyst.comand a 14.25-inch inseam, which falls at
14+ inches | Below the knee (more of a pedal pusher/clam digger)
eathealthy365.com. The stretch-woven fabric (67% recycled polyester, 29% rayon, 4% spandex) allows the pleated waist to hang cleanly and expand when seated. The back pockets are
trompe-l'oeil sewn piped pockets behind
lyst.com, which are decorative, avoiding bulk and maintaining the clean silhouette, while the front slant pockets are functional.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Female model wearing knee-length wide-leg black Bermuda shorts paired with a beige button-front cardigan and black top; visible black heeled thong sandals.
- Shorts silhouetteKnee-length, wide-leg Bermuda shorts with a straight hem that falls just above the knee on the left leg and slightly at knee level on the right; loose, tailored drape with boxy leg shape
1 region
x 0.29 · y 0.44 · w 0.42 · h 0.30 (high) - Front pleat / center seamVisible pressed center crease or pleat running vertically down the front of the right short leg (viewer left side of shorts)
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.47 · w 0.16 · h 0.26 (high) - Waistband and fly areaHigh-rise waistband area is visible beneath the cardigan, with a smooth, flat front and subtle seam at the waist; fly area is not detailedPartial
1 region
x 0.37 · y 0.37 · w 0.26 · h 0.12 (medium) - Cardigan constructionBeige, V-neck button-front cardigan with dropped shoulders, ribbed cuffs, two patch pockets on the front, and four visible dark buttons down the center
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.12 · w 0.52 · h 0.36 (high) - Layered topBlack crew or high-neck top worn under the cardigan, visible at the neckline and upper chest
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.14 · w 0.24 · h 0.11 (high) - FootwearBlack heeled thong sandals with a slim mid-height heel and narrow straps across toes, open heel
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.74 · w 0.27 · h 0.20 (high) - Fabric appearanceShorts appear smooth with a matte, woven suiting-like finish; cardigan appears soft with a fine knit texture
2 regions
x 0.29 · y 0.44 · w 0.42 · h 0.30 (medium); x 0.24 · y 0.12 · w 0.52 · h 0.36 (medium) - Pocket detail on cardiganTwo square patch pockets sewn onto the lower front panels of the cardigan, with visible topstitching
2 regions
x 0.27 · y 0.35 · w 0.18 · h 0.14 (high); x 0.55 · y 0.35 · w 0.17 · h 0.14 (high) - Model pose affecting fitModel stands facing forward with left hand relaxed by side and right hand in cardigan pocket causing slight asymmetry in hem and drop of cardigan
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.08 · w 0.40 · h 0.82 (high)
Other
Studio product shot showing a full-body model against a plain light gray background with even studio lighting and soft shadow under feet.
- Background and stagingUniform light gray studio background with no visible props or signage
- Shot compositionFull-length frontal studio shot centered on the model, showing head to feet with even negative space on both sides
- Lighting and shadowEven diffuse lighting with a subtle soft shadow beneath the model's feet on the floor plane
- Image qualityHigh-resolution photographic image, sharp focus on clothing and model
Colors
black· shorts#160D13beige· cardigan#BDA592black· under top#130D14black· sandals- Shorts silhouetteKnee-length, wide-leg Bermuda shorts with a straight hem that falls just above the knee on the left leg and slightly at knee level on the right; loose, tailored drape with boxy leg shape
- 02
Product
Front view of a black, high-waisted, wide-leg Bermuda short with a structured waistband, belt loops, center front fly area, vertical pressed creases and a straight hem sitting around knee height on the model.
- SilhouetteHigh-rise, wide-leg Bermuda shorts with a straight knee-length hem and a roomy thigh fit visible from the front.
1 region
x 0.13 · y 0.12 · w 0.74 · h 0.60 (high) - WaistbandStructured waistband with visible belt loops spaced across the front waistband.
1 region
x 0.27 · y 0.12 · w 0.46 · h 0.10 (high) - Front closure areaCenter front closure area present with a fly seam; closure hardware not visible (fly is closed and lies flat).
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.18 · w 0.20 · h 0.20 (high) - Pressed creasesDistinct vertical pressed creases run down the front of each short leg from waistband toward hem.
2 regions
x 0.20 · y 0.20 · w 0.26 · h 0.46 (high); x 0.54 · y 0.20 · w 0.26 · h 0.46 (high) - HemClean straight folded hem finishing just above the knees.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.61 · w 0.60 · h 0.10 (high) - Fabric appearanceSmooth, tightly woven fabric with a matte finish and minimal surface texture.
1 region
x 0.25 · y 0.20 · w 0.50 · h 0.45 (high) - Side seam and pocket areaSide seams are present; pocket openings are not visible or are concealed within the side seams on this front view.Partial
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.18 · w 0.12 · h 0.40 (medium); x 0.76 · y 0.18 · w 0.12 · h 0.40 (medium)
Other
Product worn by a model standing on a seamless white background; lower legs and feet with sandals visible. Even studio lighting with soft shadows beneath feet.
- Model stylingModel is wearing the shorts with visible bare legs and black thong-style sandals; hands rest at sides with rings on the right hand.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.45 · w 1.00 · h 0.55 (high) - Background and floorSeamless light gray to white studio background and floor with a faint horizontal floor/background join near mid-lower image.
- Lighting and shadowEven diffuse studio lighting with soft shadows under the model's feet and slight shadowing along inner thigh areas.
Colors
black· shorts fabric#150E14- SilhouetteHigh-rise, wide-leg Bermuda shorts with a straight knee-length hem and a roomy thigh fit visible from the front.
- 03
Product
Rear view of knee-length, wide-leg high-rise Bermuda shorts in a smooth matte black fabric worn by a model; features visible include a high waistband with belt loops, two rear welt pockets with gold-tone round buttons, side seam pockets, and center-back seam with vertical creases down each leg.
- View and fitRear-facing view of the shorts on a model showing high-rise waistband and a wide, knee-length silhouette with straight, slightly flared legs ending at the knees.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.06 · w 0.72 · h 0.60 (high) - Waistband and belt loopsWide waistband with evenly spaced belt loops around the waist; waistband sits at the natural waist of the model.
1 region
x 0.21 · y 0.07 · w 0.58 · h 0.10 (high) - Rear pocketsTwo horizontal rear welt pockets positioned on the upper seat, each secured by a single round gold-tone button.
2 regions
x 0.29 · y 0.16 · w 0.18 · h 0.07 (high); x 0.53 · y 0.16 · w 0.18 · h 0.07 (high) - Side pocketsSide seam pocket opening visible on the right side where the model has one hand inserted; left side pocket present but less visible.
1 region
x 0.64 · y 0.15 · w 0.20 · h 0.18 (medium) - Vertical creasesProminent vertical creases/pressed lines run from the waistband down the center of each short leg to the hem.
2 regions
x 0.32 · y 0.18 · w 0.20 · h 0.56 (high); x 0.48 · y 0.18 · w 0.20 · h 0.56 (high) - Fabric appearanceSmooth, tightly woven matte fabric with a slight drape and no visible texture or pronounced sheen.
- Buttons detailRound gold-tone buttons on rear pockets with a small raised central motif; motif details are not legible at this resolution.Partial
2 regions
x 0.32 · y 0.19 · w 0.03 · h 0.04 (high); x 0.62 · y 0.19 · w 0.03 · h 0.04 (high)
Other
Studio product shot showing the model from mid-back to feet on a seamless white background; model wears black open-heeled sandals and stands with weight shifted to one leg; lighting is soft and even with minimal shadows.
- Background and stagingPlain seamless white studio background with a subtle floor shadow near the model's feet.
- Model footwearModel wearing black heeled slide sandals with thin straps and stiletto heels visible at the bottom of the frame.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.84 · w 0.28 · h 0.12 (high) - PoseModel stands facing away with left hand relaxed by the side and right hand placed inside the right side pocket.
2 regions
x 0.10 · y 0.10 · w 0.20 · h 0.40 (medium); x 0.62 · y 0.10 · w 0.18 · h 0.30 (medium) - Lighting and shadowsEven, diffuse lighting from the front and slightly above producing soft, minimal shadows beneath the model and subtle highlights on fabric folds.
Colors
matte black· shorts fabric#130C0Egold· rear pocket buttons#A36442- View and fitRear-facing view of the shorts on a model showing high-rise waistband and a wide, knee-length silhouette with straight, slightly flared legs ending at the knees.